Back in stock: Jazz

Review: PainKiller, the mythihcal trio formed in 1991, returns after a 30-year hiatus with a bold new album. Featuring the groundbreaking talents of bassist Bill Laswell, saxophonist John Zorn and Napalm Death's Mick Harris on electronics, the band has once again redefined the boundaries of jazz, metal and experimental music. Their original sound, which fused grindcore, ambient and dub, is now expanded with Harris's innovative electronic beats, creating a rich, immersive soundscape. Despite Laswell's ongoing health struggles, including diabetes and heart issues, the album captures a revitalized energy, showcasing the trio's unique ability to merge chaotic intensity with intricate, atmospheric textures. Zorn's impassioned sax and Laswell’s bass, shaped by his limited physical capacity, still bring the raw power and experimental spirit that made the trio so influential. The album blends abrasive sounds with moments of haunting beauty, remaining true to PainKiller’s ethos of pushing musical extremes. With a sound that pushes even further than their past work, this reunion record offers a fresh, electrifying direction, proving that the trio’s chemistry and creativity remain as potent as ever. PainKiller continues to challenge the boundaries of genre, delivering a riveting exploration of sound.

Review: Jeff Parker and his ETA IVtet are back with their first new music since 2022's Mondays at Enfield Tennis Academy. The album delves into improvised jazz grooves and features longtime collaborators Anna Butterss on upright bass, sax from Josh Johnson and Jay Bellerose on drums. The compositions are carefully crafted to capture the essence of a single night's setlist and reflect the unique atmosphere of the now-defunct Enfield Tennis Academy. Parker channels this space into a beautifully layered and dynamic piece that builds intricate, shifting textures from simple musical ideas that evoke a rich, immersive listen.